The Assemblage
A project commissioned by a day magazine (Thailand) to redesign the public space for the nation, with 15 designers from various fields proposing their own vision. During these years of political turmoil and recent months where protestors asking for a reformation of constitution, we saw a limited access to political space - Sanam Luang (Royal Turf), Democracy Monument, Rajprasong Intersection, and finally Sappaya-Sapasathan (Parliament House).
Initiated from notion behind Wrapped Reichstag by the late duo, Cristo and Jeanne-Claude, where art could directly intervened with politics. In the country whereas freedom of speech is limited, we imagine a monumental installation at the national landmark which could engage openness of the state to its citizen.
Initiated from notion behind Wrapped Reichstag by the late duo, Cristo and Jeanne-Claude, where art could directly intervened with politics. In the country whereas freedom of speech is limited, we imagine a monumental installation at the national landmark which could engage openness of the state to its citizen.
Look back at old parliaments
Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall or 1st parliament house by Mario Tamagno
(completed 1913)
(completed 1913)
2nd parliament house ‘Marble Assembly’ by Phol Julsavek
(completed 1973 / demolished)
(completed 1973 / demolished)
The third parliament house ‘Sappaya-Sapasathan’
The architectural design concept, despite Thailand is a secular state, is largely based on Buddhistic morality - a space where good deeds shall be done. Thainess and peace are also to be bewilderingly presented in this gigantic temple-alike building as well. These are where the criticism began - why should not our national assembly be designed with egalitarian and citizen-centric approach instead.
The architectural design concept, despite Thailand is a secular state, is largely based on Buddhistic morality - a space where good deeds shall be done. Thainess and peace are also to be bewilderingly presented in this gigantic temple-alike building as well. These are where the criticism began - why should not our national assembly be designed with egalitarian and citizen-centric approach instead.
Marble slabs and teak branches are remnants from demolition of previous parliament and construction of the current one. The Assemblage propose reusing these materials, as metaphor of abandonees, in a temporary pavilion - branches from over 5,000 teaks came a big canopy while slabs transformed into 500 minimal seats, a number of representatives. This boundless, easy-to-access, and playfully-formed space can be flexibly used either by chambers or by general public.
Photos courtesy of
a day magazine
3D model of the parliament house
Haris Duongsai
a day magazine
3D model of the parliament house
Haris Duongsai
